Emmerdale's Mark Jordon reveals his 'year of hell' at being 'portrayed as a violent drunk' after he was accused of attacking pensioner... as actor declares his wedding fund was 'spent on barristers fees'

Mark thanked his legal team, the judge and the jury as he spoke outside court with Laura, who was crying in court as the verdicts were announced.

The TV star meanwhile revealed that the money he had been saving for his nuptials with Laura - a five figure sum - had been spent on legal fees.

He added: 'I was at home watching the wedding fund being spent on barristers fees. Watching it dwindle.

Having his say: Speaking in an interview with The Mirror, the former Heartbeat star revealed the alleged attack was out of character as he's never been in bother previously (pictured in June 2018)

Defence: 'I was portrayed as a violent drunk' he said. 'I’d never been in a fight before, never been in trouble with the law, never been in a cell or a police car'

He continued to say that the couple will now 'start over' and that they've already began making arrangements for their big day.

During his week-long trial, the actor was supported by a wealth of his Emmerdale co-stars past and present including Nick Miles (Jimmy King), Sammy Woodward (Katie Sugden), Chris Chittel (Eric Pollard) and Charlie Hardwick (Val Pollard).

Also in attendance was Line Of Duty actor Arsher Ali, who is married to Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi (Layla Harding).

Speaking of the support he's had, he added: 'The support and love I’ve had will give me strength. There’s also the discipline of keeping calm while dealing with what’s going on around you.'

Relieved: Earlier this month, the star was cleared of assaulting a pensioner who he bit on the face during a row in a pub beer garden

Expensive: The TV star meanwhile revealed that the money he had been saving for his nuptials with Laura - a five figure sum - had been spent on legal fees

Money woes: 'I was at home watching the wedding fund being spent on barristers fees. Watching it dwindle'

He added that he's a 'lucky person' to to be surrounded by the love of his friends and family and that it was an 'incredible place to be'.

After being found not guilty, he said: 'I really am grateful to the jury for proving my innocence and especially for proving the innocence of my loved ones, who've had to endure this awful ordeal with me this last year.

'I'm looking forward to getting back to our engagement and my career, which has been on hold.

'I just want to thank our families, our friends, our work colleagues and especially the members of the public, who have just been delightful and supportive.'

Moving on: The Emmerdale star will now 'start over' and have already began making arrangements for their big day

Thankful: 'The support and love I’ve had will give me strength. There’s also the discipline of keeping calm while dealing with what’s going on around you'